In summary, yes Costco does sell bacon wrapped shrimp at many of its warehouse locations. The availability may vary by region and season. Costco offers frozen packages of bacon wrapped shrimp under its Kirkland Signature brand. The shrimp are typically large, peeled, deveined, and raw prior to being wrapped with bacon. They can be prepared by baking, grilling, broiling or frying. Costco bacon wrapped shrimp is considered good quality and value for the price by many members.
Background on Costco
Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational corporation operating a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. As of 2023, Costco has over 800 locations worldwide including 578 in the United States and Puerto Rico. Costco sells a wide selection of merchandise including packaged foods, fresh groceries, household goods, appliances, clothing, and more. Many items are available in bulk quantities.
Costco is known for its low prices, quality private-label Kirkland Signature brand, and treasure hunt shopping experience. Products vary by location and often rotate seasonally. Costco memberships start at $60 per year for a basic Gold Star membership. Executive memberships cost an additional $60 per year and offer extra savings and benefits.
Costco Private Label Brand
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s signature private label brand. It was named after the city of Kirkland, Washington which is the location of Costco’s corporate headquarters. Kirkland offers a wide range of products including grocery, household, clothing, and specialty food items.
Kirkland is known for having high quality standards and competitive pricing compared to major national brands. Bacon wrapped shrimp sold at Costco is the Kirkland Signature label. It offers similar quality shrimp and bacon to leading brands for lower prices.
Availability of Bacon Wrapped Shrimp at Costco
Yes, Costco does sell bacon wrapped shrimp in the frozen food section of many warehouse locations. However, it is not available at every Costco location year-round. Here are some key points on the availability:
- Bacon wrapped shrimp is typically stocked seasonally in the winter months leading up to the holidays when demand is highest.
- Availability varies regionally based on local tastes and demand.
- Supply and stock can be sporadic and sell out quickly when in stock.
- membership card is required to purchase.
- Best to call or check your local Costco ahead to confirm availability.
When in stock, the bacon wrapped shrimp is usually merchandised in the frozen foods section near the frozen prepared foods, appetizers, and seafood items. Signage may advertise the item when it is available.
Seasonal and Regional Availability
Here are some additional details on the seasonal and regional availability of Costco’s bacon wrapped shrimp:
- Most locations stock it during late fall and winter months leading up to New Years and Super Bowl when demand for party appetizers is highest.
- Some warm weather states like California, Texas, and Florida may carry it year-round.
- Availability expands across more warehouse locations during peak holiday seasons.
- Pacific Northwest and New England regions may have the highest availability due to local seafood demand.
- Stock is limited and sells out quickly when in inventory.
Checking with your local Costco is the best way to confirm availability in your area during peak seasons of high demand like the holidays.
Costco Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Details
Here are some more details about the bacon wrapped shrimp product usually sold at Costco:
- Kirkland Signature brand
- 2 pound bag containing approximately 15-20 pieces
- Shrimp are large, peeled and deveined with tail on, raw
- Wrapped with regular sliced bacon
- Fully cooked when prepared
- Frozen state when sold at Costco
- Provides nutrition, ingredients, safe handling instructions
- Imported from various countries depending on season
The Kirkland bacon wrapped shrimp provides large, high-quality shrimp enveloped in regularly sliced pork bacon at a considerable savings compared to other retail brands.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 2 lb bag of Kirkland bacon wrapped shrimp:
| Serving Size | 4 pieces (85g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Sodium | 330mg |
The nutrition will vary slightly based on the size of shrimp and amount of bacon. But typically Costco’s bacon wrapped shrimp contains 180 calories and 12g of protein per 4 piece serving. It is relatively high in sodium content.
How to Cook Costco Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Costco’s bacon wrapped shrimp is sold frozen so it requires defrosting and cooking prior to eating. There are several easy cooking methods to prepare the shrimp:
Baking
The most common cooking method is baking. Simple place the frozen shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 375F for 18-22 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Turn the shrimp halfway during baking. Baked shrimp can be served immediately or kept warm in a 200F oven.
Grilling
For added flavor, the shrimp can be grilled. Defrost the shrimp first then place over direct medium heat on a pre-heated grill for 8-12 minutes total, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is cooked through. Baste the shrimp with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling if desired.
Broiling
Broiling in the oven is another quick cooking method. Place frozen or defrosted shrimp on a broiler pan lined with aluminum foil. Broil 5-6 inches from the heating element for 11-14 minutes until the bacon is crisp, flipping shrimp halfway through.
Pan Frying
For crispy bacon texture, pan fry the shrimp. Defrost the shrimp first. Place in a skillet with small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until bacon is browned and shrimp is pink. The tails can be removed before pan frying if desired.
Prepare the desired dipping sauce while cooking. Cocktail sauce, sriracha aioli, sweet chili sauce, or lemon butter are excellent dipping sauce options. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Costco Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Review
Here is a review of Costco’s bacon wrapped shrimp based on customer opinions:
Positive Feedback
- Large size shrimp with plump, tender texture
- Wrapped in regularly sliced bacon for perfect bacon-to-shrimp ratio
- Minimal breading or filler ingredients
- Freezes well for storage
- High quality relative to competitors
- Delicious smoky bacon and briny shrimp flavor
- Easy to cook from frozen state
- Great value for the price
Constructive Criticism
- Can vary in size from piece to piece
- Prone to freezer burn if not sealed properly
- High sodium content
- Bacon doesn’t always get perfectly crispy
- Supply and availability inconsistent
Overall most Costco members are highly satisfied with the quality, taste, and price of the Kirkland bacon wrapped shrimp. It’s considered a winning appetizer option when entertaining large groups.
Alternatives Places to Buy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
If Costco does not have bacon wrapped shrimp in stock, here are some alternative places to purchase:
- Grocery store frozen section – Brands like SeaPak
- Restaurant suppliers like Gordon Food Service
- Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Shrimp.com
- Local fish markets and seafood stores
- Make them at home by wrapping raw shrimp with bacon
The pricing may be higher at other retailers compared to Costco’s contract wholesale pricing. But grocery stores, online shops, and specialty seafood markets offer more consistently stocked inventories of bacon wrapped shrimp.
Grocery Store Offerings
National brands like SeaPak are available year-round in many grocery store freezer sections. These provide similar par-cooked frozen shrimp wrapped in bacon but in smaller 12 oz packages. Prices at grocery stores are typically $1-2 higher per pound compared to Costco.
Make Your Own
Another option is making DIY bacon wrapped shrimp at home. Buy a 2 lb bag of frozen raw jumbo shrimp and a 1 lb pack of bacon. Defrost the shrimp slightly to wrap each one with a strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick. The home-cooked version allows cusomizing ingredients but takes more time.
Conclusion
In summary, Costco does carry bacon wrapped shrimp, though only seasonally and with availability varying by location. When stocked, the Kirkland Signature frozen bacon wrapped shrimp provides great quality and value. This popular appetizer item can sell out quickly so call ahead to your local Costco warehouse for availability. If not found at Costco, shop grocery store freezers or online retailers for similar products at slightly higher prices. Bacon wrapped shrimp is easy to make at home too. Crispy, flavorful bacon wrapped shrimp is always a crowd-pleasing addition to any holiday party or gathering.